BAGHDAD (AFP) – Iraq on Wednesday blasted U.S. military chief Michael Mullen for sounding a warning to its leadership over delays in the signing of the controversial security deal with Washington.

Mullen on Tuesday said that if Baghdad delayed signing the deal beyond the current UN mandate that ends on December 31, its security forces “will not be ready to provide for their security.”
“And in that regard there is great potential for losses of significant consequence.”
His comments were “not welcomed” by Iraq, said government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh.
“The Iraqi government is deeply concerned by the statement of Admiral Michael Mullen,” Dabbagh said in a statement.
“Such a statement is not welcomed by Iraq. All Iraqis and their political entities are aware of their responsibilities and are assessing whether to sign the deal or not in a way that it is suitable to them.
“It is not correct to force Iraqis into making a choice and it is not appropriate to talk with the Iraqis in this way.”
Despite Mullen's warning, the Iraqi cabinet decided to seek changes in the pact that is aimed at determining the presence of American troops in the country beyond 2008 when the UN mandate ends.